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Invasive Species

Invasive species are exotic or non-native plants or animals that adversely affect local habitats and also have economic, environmental and social impacts. Once established, invasive plants and animals are very costly to manage, control and/or remove. Previously, invasive species were only a concern to land managers who were trying to maintain biodiversity in management areas. In recent years, invasive species have become more of a residential concern, as invasive plants and animals have begun to impact the enjoyment of private properties.

Many of these species were initially brought to Canada as pets or for food production, but were later released into the wild either by accident or intention. Others have entered BC as “hitchhikers” in packaging, on boats or in plant material. Now, some of these animals are so common, people mistakenly believe they are local. The Royal BC Museum even has a program called Aliens Among Us, documenting notable invasive species in BC.

Residents can help by not releasing animals or pets to any waterway or green space in the City of Burnaby. Please take any unwanted pets back to the shop where they were purchased or find a new home for them. It is illegal to release any live fish or aquatic invertebrates to BC waterways without a permit.

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants are ornamental or garden plants that have been intentionally or accidentally spread by human activity. Typical pathways of spread includes plant and soil sharing and green waste or soil waste dumping.

Some of the most common invasive plants in Burnaby include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), English ivy (Hedera helix), Policeman’s helmet (Impatiens glandulifera) and yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon). Regional species of concern recently found in Burnaby are Garlic mustard (Alliara petiolata), Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum), and Wild chervil. Burnaby is also on the lookout for Rough cocklebur, though it is not an invasive plant of concern. A regional species of concern but not yet found in Burnaby is Poison hemlock. Less common species such as Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) are also of high concern. Visit the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver for more information about invasive plants in our region. Residents can help by learning about the plants on their property, managing them, and disposing of their yard waste appropriately in their curbside green waste container.

Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed, found in the City of Burnaby since 2006, is an invasive plant that poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems and human health. The sap contained in the hairs covering the plant and in the stem can cause severe burns when in contact with human skin and exposed to sunlight. The City of Burnaby is actively removing Giant Hogweed from public lands, and requests all private landowners to have Giant Hogweed plants removed from their properties.

If you think you have seen this plant growing anywhere in the City of Burnaby, please report its location to the Engineering Department at 604-294-7460 for positive identification.

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed has been known to be in Burnaby since at least 2006, and is a threat to the environment, human health and safety, infrastructure and economics. Since its initial identification, four knotweed varieties are now known to exist in British Columbia: Giant Knotweed, Himalayan Knotweed, Bohemian Knotweed and Japanese Knotweed. The plant is able to sprout from plant cuttings and root fragments, with roots growing more than 5 meters deep. Digging or pulling the plant stresses the plant and encourages growth, and mowing spreads the plant fragments. The roots can grow through cracks in cement and asphalt, and break road surfaces, house foundations, and other concrete structures.

Currently the only known method of controlling knotweed is through herbicide treatment. Although pesticide use is not permitted under the Burnaby Pesticide Use Control Bylaw 2008, there is an exemption for infestations know to cause structural damage. In addition, under the BC Weed Control Act, it is the responsibility of every land owner to control noxious weeds growing on their property, including knotweed.

We encourage residents not to spread knotweed on their property. If the knotweed requires cutting, cut the plant in a single cut at the base of the plant, and place the material in your Green Bin (yard trimmings/food scraps toter). If your yard requires maintenance, manage the knotweed first, and avoid accidentally spreading the plant.

City Management of Invasive Plants

In 2006, the City of Burnaby developed a management plan for Still Creek Watershed that involved mapping of invasive plants, prioritization for invasive plant management, public education and prevention of invasive plant spread, risk management, monitoring and testing.

In 2009, a City wide baseline survey of invasive plants in parks and green spaces was conducted to understand the extent and density of invasive plants in Burnaby. Survey results noted that 19% of the City’s green spaces were infested with the top 13 invasive species identified by the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver.

Since that time, the City has moved forward in a number of areas:

Targeted ground removal and control, and trials and testing in park areas

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